

Producer: Jeff Silvey
Label: Scarlett Song Music
Website: www.anndowning.com
Co-writing with various songwriters like Dwight Liles, Jeff Pearson, Daryl Williams, Woody Wright, Toni Clay, Patti Hawkins and Kyla Rowland, Ann has assembled a wonderful array of songs to comfort, delight, move and captivate the listener. Ann had a hand in writing all but two songs on this recording. I continue to be amazed at the talent she has in songwriting, which has only really come out in the last few years or so.
From the delightfully jazzy title song, “GOD LOOKING IN” to the reflective “ABOVE ALL ELSE”, Ann weaves her magic as she moves from the moving, emotional numbers to the fun, enjoyable tunes. This is Ann, as we've always known her to be as a singer, a warm personality whose heart shows through on each tune. This is by far, the best solo recording she has ever done.
The medium tempo “COME OUT OF THE DARKNESS” is a wonderful compelling song to “come out of the darkness, and into the Light” , before things slow down for the song, “HE ALREADY KNEW ME”. This song fits Ann like a glove as she makes you believe what she is singing about. Another song that flows very similar with this one is “STAY CLOSE TO ME”. Both songs are sung in Ann's inimitable down home style.
The bluesy “EARTH HAS NO SORROW” (which features Ann in a duet with Russ Taff) is a highlight of the recording, as is the highly enjoyable “HE'S WORKING THROUGH MY CIRCUMSTANCES”, which features a brief feature of Marsh Hall of the Gaither Vocal Band.
Previously recorded by Sondra Burnett, Ann turns in her own rendition of her song, “LOVE GROWS HERE” written with Jeff Pearson and Woody Wright.
A real treat on this recording is a resurrection of sorts, of Paul Downing. Recorded back in the very early 1970's by the Downings on their “Happiness Is…” album, by way of modern technology, we are treated with a duet with Ann and her late husband on the song, “ARE YOU TIRED?” before moving on to the song, “BRING ME BACK”.
Ann turns in her finest performance to date on her signature song, “I MUST TELL JESUS” . Starting with just Ann and the piano, the song builds quite effectively as Ann projects great dynamics in the song before she gets to the big ending …”I must tell Jesus, Jesus alone!”
It's great seeing Ann, after all these years, still making great music. This recording is a fine piece of work and displays the true musical artist that she is.
Personal Favs: GOD LOOKING IN; HE ALREADY KNEW ME; EARTH HAS NO SORROW; STAY CLOSE TO ME; ARE YOU TIRED?; I MUST TELL JESUS
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